Periods of sunshine and warm temperatures will increase the avalanche danger this afternoon. Wet slides will become possible at all elevations in very steep terrain and cliff areas. The chance for wet slab release will also become possible at the high elevations. Cornices are large and travel above them along ridgelines or under them on steep slopes should be avoided today. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, especially once temperatures warm and soften the snow surface.
At the higher elevations wet slab avalanches up to three feet in depth and wet loose slides could be triggered by skiers and riders who venture into steep, avalanche prone terrain and cliff areas.
Another round of moisture from a weak and fast moving system from the northwest could bring periods of light to moderate snowfall and very strong winds this evening. Friday looks to be drier with mostly cloudy skies and high temperatures at the higher elevations reaching the mid-thirties to low forties. Winds should lessen slightly to averages between twenty and thirty miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard will be Low in the morning and will increase to Moderate in the afternoon as rising temperatures weaken the snow surfaces and provide for the possibility of wet slide activity. This activity could be as wet slabs or wet loose and could involve large volumes of snow.
